Here's something that might surprise you: while most of us picture office culture revolving around that beloved coffee machine, nearly four in ten employees don't actually drink coffee. Yet somehow, we've built entire workplace rituals around espresso runs and morning brews, inadvertently sidelining a huge chunk of our teams.
Think about it—when was the last time you grabbed a colleague for a 'tea break' or suggested meeting over a green smoothie? The language itself reveals our bias. But here's the kicker: companies that've ditched this coffee-centric approach and embraced truly inclusive beverage cultures are seeing belonging scores jump by 34%. Not bad for what seems like such a simple shift, right?
This isn't just about being nice (though that matters too). It's about recognising that genuine inclusion starts with the smallest daily interactions—and your office drinks menu might be more powerful than you think.
The Real Cost of Coffee Tunnel Vision
Let's be honest about what happens every morning in offices across the country. There's this almost magnetic pull towards the coffee station—colleagues clustering around espresso machines, impromptu brainstorming sessions over lattes, afternoon caffeine runs that somehow turn into the best team bonding moments. Sound familiar?
But what about the third of your team who's watching all this connection happen from the sidelines? Research from Qualtrics shows something pretty sobering: when employees feel excluded from these everyday workplace rituals, their engagement takes a serious hit. We're talking about lower connection with colleagues, reduced participation in team dynamics, and ultimately, people who just don't feel like they belong.
It's fascinating how something as simple as drink preferences can create invisible barriers. One person's grabbing their third flat white while another's nursing the same glass of water, wondering when they'll get invited to join the 'coffee crew.' These moments add up, and before you know it, you've got an inadvertent hierarchy based on caffeine consumption.
What People Actually Want to Drink
Here's where things get interesting. The data tells a story that most office managers would find pretty eye-opening. While coffee still holds court, non-coffee beverages now make up 43% of what people reach for during their workday. Water leads the pack at 35% (no surprises there), followed by tea at 23%, juice at 16%, and specialty drinks claiming 9%.
This shift isn't random—it reflects changing demographics, health consciousness, and honestly, just more diverse workforces with varied cultural backgrounds and personal preferences. Ignoring this trend? That's like planning a team lunch and only ordering pepperoni pizza, then wondering why half your team seems less than thrilled.
When Drinks Connect You to Home
Here's something that really hits home: for many people, their daily beverage choice isn't just about taste or caffeine—it's about identity and connection to their roots. That morning chai ritual for your South Asian colleague? It's not just a hot drink; it's a moment of cultural comfort in what might otherwise be a pretty culturally neutral (read: bland) office environment.
Same goes for the team member who brings their own yerba mate setup, or the one who's always got a thermos of perfectly brewed oolong. These aren't just quirky preferences—they're pieces of home, tradition, and identity that people carry with them into their work lives.
When companies acknowledge and actually celebrate these differences, they're sending a message that resonates way deeper than most people realise: "We see all of you, not just the part that fits our default template."
The Numbers Don't Lie: Inclusion Pays Off
Alright, let's talk brass tacks. Because while the warm fuzzy feeling of inclusion is lovely, what really gets leadership attention is cold, hard data. And boy, does the research deliver.
EY's research found that employees with access to beverage options that actually match their cultural, dietary, and personal preferences are 56% more likely to feel valued at work. That's not a small bump—that's a game-changer.
But wait, there's more. When people feel like they belong, here's what happens:
- Burnout drops by 28% (goodbye, exhausted Monday faces)
- People are 50% less likely to start job hunting
- Performance in high-belonging organisations jumps 56%
- Companies save roughly $8,800 per employee annually through reduced absenteeism and turnover
Suddenly that investment in oat milk and green tea doesn't seem so frivolous, does it? We're talking about real money saved and real performance gained, all from helping people feel seen and valued in their daily routines.
Getting the Practical Stuff Right
Making It Actually Accessible
Before we dive into exotic tea blends and artisanal everything, let's get the basics sorted. True inclusion means thinking about everyone—and I mean everyone—who might want to grab a drink in your office.
This means designing beverage stations that work for colleagues in wheelchairs (adjustable height counters, anyone?), team members who might only have use of one hand, and people with visual impairments who need clear, high-contrast signage to navigate options. It's about creating spaces where everyone can independently access what they need without having to ask for help or feel awkward about their requirements.
Embracing the Beautiful Mess of Diversity
Now for the fun part—actually stocking options that reflect your team's diversity. This goes way beyond just having "regular" and "decaf." We're talking about:
- Teas that tell stories—chai for warmth, oolong for tradition, rooibos for something completely different
- Milk alternatives that aren't an afterthought (oat, almond, coconut, soy—the whole gang)
- Options for people watching their sugar, dealing with dietary restrictions, or just wanting something refreshing
- Herbal and wellness drinks for the health-conscious crowd
- Seasonal rotations that keep things interesting
The key is treating these as equal players, not just "alternatives" to the "real" thing.
Making It Actually Happen
Right, so you're sold on the concept. Now what? Well, first things first—stop guessing what your team wants and actually ask them. Anonymous surveys work wonders here because people are more likely to be honest about their preferences when they don't feel like they're being judged for not jumping on the coffee bandwagon.
Turn Differences Into Connections
Here's where things get really interesting. Instead of just quietly stocking different options and hoping for the best, why not make beverage diversity a celebration? Monthly tasting events where team members share drinks from their cultural backgrounds, complete with the stories behind them. Suddenly, you're not just accommodating differences—you're turning them into opportunities for genuine connection and learning.
Try appointing "Beverage Ambassadors"—people who are genuinely excited to share their favourite drinks and the stories behind them. It creates these lovely organic moments where cultural exchange happens naturally, without feeling forced or awkward.
Keep It Fresh, Keep It Real
Nobody wants a stagnant drinks menu that gets installed and forgotten. Rotate seasonal options, actually listen to feedback, and be willing to experiment. Maybe that hibiscus tea you tried didn't take off, but the matcha lattes became an instant hit. That's valuable intel for building your workplace beverage offerings in a way that genuinely serves your team.
How to Know If It's Working
Look, you can't manage what you don't measure. Keep an eye on who's using what, run regular check-ins with your team, and watch for changes in those broader engagement metrics. Are people lingering more around the beverage station? Are conversations happening across different groups? Are your belonging scores actually moving in the right direction?
